Ezra Olubi biography, career path, controversies, net worth

Ezra Olubi is a Nigerian entrepreneur, software engineer, mobile app developer, and the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Paystack, one of Africa’s most successful fintech companies.

Known for his unconventional fashion style and outspoken personality, Ezra has become one of the most recognizable figures in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Profile summary

Name: Ezra Olubi

Born: November 12, 1986

Place of birth: Oyo

Education: N/A

Relationship status: Single

Career: Software Engineer

Early Life

Ezra Olubi was born on 12 November, 1986 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Growing up in Ibadan, he initially dreamed of becoming a pilot. However, his passion shifted after a family friend moved into their home with a personal computer.

This early exposure introduced him to programming, and by secondary school, Ezra was already experimenting with code.

Academic background

He proceeded to Babcock University, Illishan Remo, Ogun State, where he studied Computer Science from 2002 to 2006.

Ezra actively participated in the university’s annual Software Exhibition from 2003 to 2006 and became a two-time winner of the “Programmer of the Year” award.

It was also at Babcock that he met Shola Akinlade, who would later become his business partner.

Ezra graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Career

Ezra Olubi’s career spans several top Nigerian technology and logistics companies, where he distinguished himself as a prolific software developer and technology leader.

His first job was as an IT Administrator in 2006, where he supported a custom-built sales performance and rewards software.

Ezra worked as a Web Applications Developer, creating the now-defunct cars-ng.com.

At Softcom, Ezra served as:

• Website & Applications Developer
• Team Lead for five developers
• Head Developer (promoted in 2008)

He contributed to major products including reloadng.com, softpurse.com

As Head of Product Development, he led the team that built Eyowo a unified payment system aimed at simplifying eCommerce across Africa.

His frustrations with the product’s limitations later shaped his vision for Paystack.

Ezra served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where he:

• Migrated Jobberman to a cloud-based infrastructure
• Enabled the platform to handle tens of millions of daily transactions
• Ensured 99.9% uptime

As CTO, he managed all technology operations and product development for web and mobile applications.

Ezra is the Director of Magic, offering technical consulting, supervising product development, and researching emerging tech trends.

Co-founding Paystack

In late 2015, Ezra reunited with his university coursemate Shola Akinlade, who sought his expertise in developing a modern payments platform.

Drawing from his experience with Eyowo and his strong background in software engineering, Ezra joined him to co-found Paystack.

Paystack quickly became one of Africa’s leading payment gateways, enabling businesses to accept payments via:

• Debit/credit cards
• Bank transfers
• Mobile money

The company became the first Nigerian startup to join Y Combinator, securing $120,000 in seed funding and later raising $11.7 million from multiple investors.

In October 2020, Paystack was acquired by global fintech giant Stripe for $200 million, marking one of the biggest exits in African tech history.

The acquisition significantly amplified Paystack’s operations across Africa.

Ezra has remained the Chief Technology Officer of Paystack since its inception in October 2015.

Personal life

Ezra Olubi is known for his androgynous and unconventional style involving: Painted nails, Lipstick, Bold, gender-neutral outfits.

Although a heterosexual male, his fashion choices challenge traditional masculine norms in Nigerian society.

Ezra has openly stated his preference for androgynous expression, which he embraced since secondary school.

He maintains a private personal life and rarely discusses his relationships publicly.

Controversy

In November 2025, Ezra was suspended by Paystack following social media allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate.

The controversy was amplified by resurfaced tweets from 2009–2013, sparking widespread online outrage.

Official investigations and outcomes were still ongoing as of the period of reporting.

Awards

OON (Order of the Niger) – conferred on 11 October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside co-founder Shola Akinlade.

Ezra’s appearance at the event drew public attention due to his painted nails.

Two-time Programmer of the Year at Babcock University.